Fri. Jan. 7th
With the recent holidays still in our memory, I wonder how many people pulled out something “special” for the occasions. Maybe it was special china for a holiday meal, a certain favorite outfit reserved for “special occasions”, or perhaps a special family tradition. I think that’s really great…to live in a way that honors the gift that God has given you — that particular day.
While tomorrow may not have religious significance or a Hallmark greeting card observing the day, isn’t tomorrow a “special occasion”? If you wake up tomorrow, have a roof over your head, food in your house, family & friends, and countless other blessings (don’t focus on what could be better), that sounds to me like a pretty “special occasion”. I remember when infection invaded Andrew’s eyes, it was only then that I truly appreciated the gift of eyesight. I literally look at things differently now. If you don’t wear that special shirt or use your favorite whatever in your house, what are you waiting for? If your friends are so important to you that you connect with them in December with a holiday card, might they not also like to hear from you in April?
If you wake up tomorrow, it’s a damn “special” day! Live like it is.
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I’d like to introduce you to our newest “B+ Hero” – Kristina Stevens. I had the privilege of meeting Kristina and her Mom yesterday in the hospital. Kristina battled Wilm’s Tumor as a baby and was clean of it for 10 years. Unfortunately, at 12 yrs old, it has come back. Kristina loves lions and tigers and is a BIG fan of all things Twilight! She doesn’t use a CaringBridge site, so I’ll keep you posted of her progress. Please keep Kristina and her family in your prayers.
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As many of you know, Pepsi sponsors the “Pepsi Refresh Project” which gives organizations an opportunity to win up to $250,000 in grant money. A while back, I had the honor of meeting Carl Kapes, a Dad of two children with Sanfilippo syndrome. Sanfilippo syndrome is an inherited disease of metabolism that makes the body unable to properly break down long chains of sugar molecules. As I understand it, there are very limited treatment options. While not a childhood cancer, Carl has asked that I spread the word about their Pepsi Refresh campaign in hopes that the B+ Nation might help his boys and others battling this somewhat mysterious disease. It doesn’t cost you anything…if you can take a minute and vote at the link below, Carl and Moms & Dads like Carl would be greatly appreciative. Thanks.
www.refresheverything.com/curesanfilippo
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We take a moment today to remember a local American hero, Liz Loncki. Four years ago today, Liz gave her life for our country in Iraq. Liz was a graduate of Padua Academy here in Wilmington and her parents are friends and supporters of The B+ Foundation. Please keep Liz’s family in your prayers.
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“Featured Family of the Week”
The story of this week’s “Featured Family of the Week” literally makes me sick. This boy, we’ll call him A.T., is 9 yrs old and battling a brain tumor. The prognosis for A.T. is not very good. He is unable to eat and is fed formula through an NG tube. Would you believe that the insurance company will not cover the cost of this special kind of formula that A.T. requires?! This is his medically-prescribed sustenance! Needless to say, your Foundation is covering the cost of several weeks of formula for this brave young B+ Hero.
The weekend is upon us. It’s up to you to MAKE it a great weekend.
Live Like Andrew!
B+
Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad
P.S. I’m learning a lot about European history reading Ali’s web journal. If you’re interested, check it out at web.me.com/alimcdon